Northglenn High School team physician, Dr. Darwin J. Strickland, has a new letter jacket with a big "N" on it.

"I think it's marvelous," he smiled, after receiving it at an Adams 12 School District presentation. "I will be so proud to wear it." "Doc" was honored during the dedication of the district's newest stadium, for the 40 years he has put in on the Northglenn sidelines.

And everyone had a story to tell. One former Norse athlete remembers Strickland patching him up so he could run in the league track championships. Doc himself remembers a couple of close calls over the years when he almost had to patch himself himself back up. "Once I got knocked upside down and it laid me out. I acted like it didn't bother me. But, I have to admit, I was dizzy for a long time," he said.

Look for Doc on the sidelines again this season. He says nothing will keep him away from the games, and the teenagers, he loves.

ACHING BONES: When John Elway appeared on the Cherry Creek practice field as the team's new quarterbacks coach, he was sporting some extra hardware on his left knee. "I just can't stand as long as I need to without the knee brace," he said. "It's just too painful."

The knee has been giving him fits since his playing days and continues to get progressively worse. He doesn't run anymore and said he can't even walk 18 holes of golf. Knee replacement surgery is in his future. "I just don't know how soon," Elway said. A little pain is the price he's willing to pay to coach his son, Jack.

RUN FOR CHILDREN: There is a new tradition in the Dakota Ridge neighborhood in south Jefferson County. It's the Heart & Lung 5K run presented as a fundraiser for Children's Hospital, by 16-year-old Blake Scott. Scott started the effort last year as part of his Eagle Scout project, and his volunteer race staff includes members of the school's cross country team.

The race was an immediate success on two levels. "I created a one-of-a-kind project that won the Timberline District award, and we raised nearly $1,000 the first year," Scott said proudly. This time, the race doubled in size, and they still are taking donations. For information about contributing, e-mail bscott@ theheartandlung5k.info.

Marcia Neville is Colorado's Emmy award-winning high school sports reporter. Look for highlights during her PrepZone broadcasts at 9:30 p.m. every Saturday on Fox 31 and at foxhilitescolorado.com.